The Epstein Files, Freedom Tower and Miami's punk scene
On this episode of The South Florida Roundup — whether or not that really is Donald Trump’s signature — we examined all the still unanswered questions in the Epstein sex-trafficking atrocity that still traumatizes South Florida [01:20]. We also looked at next week’s centennial re-opening of Miami’s Freedom Tower — but also at why Miami’s Cubans may be feeling more ambivalent than exultant at the ribbon-cutting [14:15]. And we said farewell to one popular hip music venue — but welcomed back another [27:08].
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Out-of-network in Broward, Conch Republic controversies and U.S military strike on a Venezuela drug boat
On this episode of The South Florida Roundup, we examined the standoff between Broward County’s major hospital systems, Memorial Healthcare and Broward Health, and its largest healthcare insurer, Florida Blue — which has stranded some 50,000 patients (01:09). We also looked at more Conch Republic controversy after Key West’s planning director resigned this week, adding to the ugly city hall optics there (21:31). And we discussed this week’s U.S. military strike on a Venezuelan drug boat — and what it portends (33:36).
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Is mass deportation the answer to Florida's labor situation?
On the latest episode of the South Florida Roundup, we devoted the whole show to the realities — and myths — of our undocumented migrant workers. President Trump is out to demonize them and expel them for good. It’s not likely he can do that — but even if he could, what then? Especially in Florida, a state where today there are only 53 available workers for every 100 available jobs, and a state where undocumented migrants pay some $2 billion in taxes. Should we evict these folks, or embrace them?
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Alligator Alcatraz ordered to shut down, Florida's gay pride crosswalks and Trump's fight against Latin America's drug cartels
On this week's episode of The South Florida Roundup, we discussed why a federal judge Thursday night gave the controversial migrant detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz 60 days to close down and allow no new detainees (01:10). We also asked why Florida and Gov. Ron DeSantis seem obsessed with eradicating any public tribute to the LGBTQ community (20:56). And we examined President Trump’s urge to send the U.S. military into Latin America to battle the region’s drug cartels (35:40).
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Tri-Rail funding crisis, pill mill resurgence and the Gen Z-driven salsa revival
On the latest episode of the South Florida Roundup, we discuss why the state legislature yanked two-thirds of funding from one of South Florida’s most popular transit services, Tri-Rail (0:10). We also looked at a new federal investigation into a possible pill mill resurgence in Florida and questions surrounding the state laws that were supposed to prevent it (19:05). And we listened to why even reggaeton superstars like Bad Bunny are hopping into the salsa music revival (33:05).